PHOTO BY JANET YEE WTC Officers See page 6 for contact info Graduations! WTC October 16-17 / Sat-Sun WTC October 23-24 / Sat-Sun WTC Tom McDonnell Chair & Outings O / WTC Graduation for West LA O / WTC Graduation for Orange County …at Harwood Lodge, Mt Baldy in the Angeles National …at Indian Cove Campground, Joshua Tree National Susan Richmond Registrar Forest. Car camp.Possible local trail and/or cross country Park. Car camp. Possible local trail and/or cross country day hikes. Sun Graduation Ceremony. Please car-pool as day hikes.Sat evening Graduation Ceremony.Please car- Long Beach parking is limited. Contact your WTC group leader for pool as parking is limited.Contact your WTC group leader Richard Boardman details. for details. Chair October 23-24 / Sat-Sun WTC October 30-31 / Sat-Sun NEW DATE! WTC Mike Adams O / WTC Graduation for San Gabriel Valley O / WTC Graduation for Long Beach – South Bay Outings …at Indian Cove Campground, Joshua Tree National …at Sheep Pass Campground Joshua Tree National Park. Jean Konnoff Park. Car camp. Possible local trail and/or cross country Car camp. Possible local trail and/or cross country day Registrar day hikes.Sat evening Graduation Ceremony.Please car- hikes.Sat evening Graduation Ceremony.Please car-pool pool as parking is limited.Contact your WTC group leader as parking is limited. Contact your WTC group leader for Orange County for details. details. Cheryl Gill Chair Tom McDonnell Outings Trail Card Mania! Ed Morente Got your supply of hiker-friendly WTC Trail Cards? Here’s a great Registrar way to introduce WTC to friends, acquaintances, fellow workers, San Gabriel Valley fellow hikers, fellow fellows… bequeath them a WTC Trail Card Patrick McKusky that includes a brief description of the course, your name (so you Chair can get credit that’s probably good for something in some Maria Roa afterlife), and a handy list from the great script of D.W. Griffith’s classic Outings film,“The Ten Essentials.” Ann Bittner So don’t delay – contact your Group or Section leader, or grab a handful Registrar at graduation.Remember: don’t leave camp without ‘em! West Los Angeles Jane Simpson Chair Trips Headline Deadlines Susan Richmond Outings Liability Waiver Notice To participate in a out- For publication in the Larry McKinley ing,you will need to sign a liability waiver.To see a copy of this Winter 2005 WTC Newsletter: Registrar waiver prior to attending the outing, please see www.sierra- November 23 Last day to submit restricted outings to club.org/outings/chapter/forms the Outings Chair. Transportation Notice In the interests of facilitating the December 7 Last day to submit non-restricted The WTC Newsletter is published logistics of some outings,it is customary that participants make outings to quarterly for students and staff of voluntary carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not Area Outings Coordinators. the Wilderness Training Committee have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no December 14 Last day for Outings Coordinators to and delivered via U.S.Mail or liability for them.Carpooling,ride sharing or anything similar is submit write-ups to the Outings Chair. distributed at class sites.It’s also strictly a private arrangement among participants. Participants December 21 Last day for all WTC Newsletter available in color the WTC website: assume the risks associated with this travel. www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc submissions. as a download in PDF format. All questions,copy and photo submissions should be directed to Edd Ruskowitz,WTC Newsletter Editor at (714) 564-9130, or Brian Reynolds, 1973-2004 emailed to [email protected] page 10 WTC Info Line 310-967-2029 Page 2 www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc November 13 / Sat WTC I / Eagle Mtn #1 (5,350’) Experience Outings Sat hike Eagle Mountain #1 in Joshua Tree NP starting from the Lost Palms trailhead near the Cottonwood Springs campground. This cross-country route October 2-3 / Sat-Sun WTC includes a boulder scramble up a steep ridge to reach the summit.Strenuous 9 I / Last Chance Backpack to Tahquitz Peak (8846') mi rt, 2400’ gain, moderately paced hike. Comfort with class 2 rock required. This is your last chance to graduate WTC! Sat backpack,3.5 mi 1600' gain,from Car camp recommended Friday night. Send email/2 sase, conditioning/expe- Humber Park in Idyllwild to Tahquitz Valley and set up camp.Then dayhike to rience,H&W phones,rideshare info to Ldr:Melissa Kane.Asst:Dave Coplen. the summit of Tahquitz Pk Sat afternoon & return to camp.Sun hike to Skunk November 20-21 / Sat-Sun Desert Peaks, WTC Cabbage Mdws and Red Tahquitz Pk,return to camp and pack out.Must carry I / Black Butte (4504'), Orocopia Mtn (3815') all the water you need for the weekend. (Sorry!) WTC or equivalent required. Join us for 2 fun relatively close desert peaks. Sat climb Black Butte from Send sase/email, resume of conditioning & experience, H&W phones & Bradshaw Trail Rd,7 mi,1800' gain.Sat night potluck and happy hour at camp. rideshare info to Ldr:Georgette Rieck.Co-Ldr:Jason Lynch. Sun climb Orocopia from Pinto Rod, 6 mi, 1400' gain. Contact Ldrs: Patty October 2-3 / Sat-Sun WTC, Long Beach Rambert,Virgil Popescu. I / Quail Mtn (5,813') November 20-21 / Sat-Sun HPS, WTC, SSSOC, OCSS Backpack in beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.Sat hike 5 mi with easy gain I / Mount Inspiration (5560'), Quail Mountain (5800') to Juniper Flats and set up camp.Continue xc 2 mi hike 1000’gain to the high- Here's a chance to climb Inspiration by a more interesting route and camp in est peak in the park with stunning views all around and even a chance to see the desert in Joshua Tree, too. On Saturday we'll backpack in about 4 miles, Big Horn Sheep. Dry camp – you must carry all the water you need. Sun hike with a mere 444' of gain,to Juniper Flats and set up camp.Then it's off to find out,followed by optional tour of unique Samuelson’s Rocks on the way out of Inspiration from the west, 10 miles r.t. and 1200' of gain on trail and cross- the park. Send sase/email (preferred), H&W phones, recent conditioning/hik- country.On Sunday we'll set off cross-country on a 4 mile r.t.,1000' gain jaunt ing experience to Ldr:Kristen Mahaffey.Asst:Janet Yee. to Quail, return to camp, and backpack out. Send e-mail (preferred) or sase, October 9-10 / Sat-Sun WTC with recent hiking and backpacking experience, H&W phones to Leader:Greg I / San Jacinto (10,804'), Cornell (9,721') De Hoogh.Asst:Cheryl Gill Sat backpack 6 mi,3300' gain,from Humber Park to Round Valley;climb Cornell November 21 / Sun WTC to lunch ledge.Sun climb San Jacinto 1700’gain.Hike out.Send 2 sase,resume O / Inspiration Point (4520’) with recent experience & conditioning, H&W phones to Ldr: Mike Bolde.Asst. Learn about the Wilderness Travel Course on hike to Inspiration Point.Easy to Pat Johantgen. moderate paced 8 mile rt, 2600' gain hike up Castle Canyon passing historic October 9-10 / Sat-Sun PVSB, Natural Sciences, WTC Echo Mountain and on to Inspiration Point. Return via the Sam Merrill trail. M / Moses Mtn (9331’), North Maggie Mtn (10,234’) Meet some of our leaders and staff on introductory WTC conditioning hike. Join us on this late season backpack to the Mineral King area.Backpack 3 mile, Meet 8:30 am, top of Lake Avenue in Altadena. Bring minimum 2qts water, 1000’gain to camp,then climb N.Maggie.Sun,climb Moses and out.Take time lunch and lug soles.Rain cancels.Ldr:Ted Slap.Asst:Jane Simpson. to learn from our naturalist about the fauna and flora.Send email (preferable) December 4-5 / Sat-Sun WTC or sase to Ldr:Barry Holchin.Asst:Kent Schwitkis.Naturalist:Sherry Ross. I / Quail Mtn (5813’), Ryan Mtn (5457’) Joshua Tree NP weekend.Sat day-hike Ryan as warm up,1100’gain,3 mi rt on trail. Car camp or motel.Sun hike Quail Mtn from Hidden Valley,10 mi rt,1750’ Outings of Interest gain,all cross-country.Send email or sase with experience,condition,address, Most WTC students should find these outings within their abilities. H&W phones to Ldr:Chi A.Choi. Asst:George Denny. Unfortunately, these trips do not qualify for WTC graduation; January 8 / Sat Wilderness Adventures, WTC they’re just really, really interesting. I / 2nd Annual Frazier Park Area Snowshoe Hike October 16 / Sat Wilderness Adventures, WTC Break out your snowshoes for winter snow play on moderately paced snow- shoe hike on road, trail and cross-country in Frazier Park/Los Padres NF. Last I / Wonderland of Rocks Traverse in Joshua Tree NP year Tecuyah Mt, this year Tecuyah again or something new. Maximum gain You've done the map exercise in class, but have you ever wanted to find out 3000' and less than 10 mi rt. Open to beginning snowshoers who possess what the hike to Willow Hole is really like? Join us for this 6+ mi, 1000' gain mountain hiking experience,as well as to experienced snowshoers.Rain or no- moderately strenuous xc hike with lots of Class 2 bouldering.Start and end at snow postpones. Send email/sase, experience and carpool info to Ldr: Bill Indian Cove Campground in Joshua Tree NP.Visit Rattlesnake Cyn and Willow Valentine. Co-Leaders:Jane Simpson,Dave Coplen. Hole along way.Optional car camp Sat night at Indian Cove.Send email,2 sase, recent hiking/conditioning experience,H&W phones,rideshare info,interest in January 8-9 / Sat-Sun WTC car camp to Ldr:Brent Costello.Asst:Jason Lynch. I / Warren Pt (5103’), Lang Mine October 30 / Sat WA, WTC Joshua Tree NP weekend.Sat hike to historic Lang Mine from Quail Spring pic- nic area, 820’ gain, 5 mi rt all cross-country including crossing Johnny Lang I / Sheep Mtn (5141') Canyon.Car camp or motel.Sun climb Warren Pt from Black Rock campground Strenuous 13 mi rt,2900' gain hike on trail and xc,in the desert terrain of the via NE ridge,cross-country,4 mi rt,1000’gain.Send email or sase with experi- rugged Santa Rosa Mtns south of Palm Springs.Send sase/esase,recent condi- ence,condition,address,H&W phones to Ldr:Chi A.Choi. Asst:Marc Hertz. tioning/experience,H&W phones to Ldr:Chip Dever.Asst:David Coplen.

WTC Newsletter / Fall 2004 Page 3 January 22 / Sat Wilderness Adventures, WTC for M and E leadership. Checkoffs for M and E rock will take place on Fri and I / San Gabriel Mountains Snowshoe Hike Sat. Checkoffs must be prearranged with leader. It is a restricted trip; to par- Winter snow play on moderately paced snowshoe hike on road,trail and cross- ticipate you must be a member of the Sierra Club and have a suitable rock country in San Gabriel Mountains. Destination to be determined by snow climbing experience. Check with leaders regarding campsite. Send sase level. Maximum gain 3000' and less than 10 miles rt. Open to beginning and/or email,recent climbing resume and rideshare info to Ldr: Ron Hudson. snowshoers who possess mountain hiking experience, as well as to experi- Asst: Patty Rambert. enced snowshoers. Rain or no-snow postpones. Send email/sase, experience November 13-14 / Sat-Sun LTC, WTC and carpool info to Ldr:Dave Coplen.Co-Ldrs:Jane Simpson,Bill Valentine. I / Indian Cove Navigation February 6 / Sun WTC Navigation Noodles to satisfy Basic (I/M) level navigation requirements. Sat O / 6th Annual Pre-Conditioning Hike for practice, skills refresh, altimeter, campfire. Sun for checkout. To receive New students practice for the real deal the following week or old-timers just homework assignment, send navigation experience/training, any WTC, reminisce what it was like as a student on this 9 mi,2000' gain car-shuttle hike rideshare info,H&W phones,sase to Ldr:Harry Freimanis. Asst: Bob Bradshaw. in the Verdugo Mts. Meet 7:00 am at the westernmost of two Santa Monica December 5 / Sun LTC, WTC Mountains Conservancy trailheads on La Tuna Canyon Rd.,3.2 mi East of Sunland I / Warren Pt Navigation Bl.or 1.3 mi West of the I-210 overpass/exit. Parking is tight,carpool if possible. Navigation noodle at Joshua Tree National Park for either checkout or practice Exit at Beaudry in Glendale. Co-Ldrs:Garen Yegparian,Will McWhinney. to satisfy either Basic (I/M) or Advanced (E) level navigation requirements.To receive homework assignment,send sase,navigation experience/training,any WTC,rideshare info,H&W phones to Ldr:Harry Freimanis.Asst:Bob Bradshaw. Training Opportunities January 9 / Sun LTC, WTC I / Warren Pt Navigation Most WTC students will find these trips within their abilities. Navigation noodle at Joshua Tree National Park for either checkout or practice October 2 / Sat LTC to satisfy either Basic (I/M) or Advanced (E) level navigation requirements.To receive homework assignment,send sase,navigation experience/training,any Deadline for Leadership Training Seminar WTC,rideshare info,H&W phones to Ldr:Harry Freimanis.Asst:Bob Bradshaw. Become a qualified Sierra Club leader! Last day for receipt of application and payment by LTC Registrar for enrollment in Oct 16 Seminar. TBD location. Next January 29 / Sat LTC, Sierra Peaks, Desert Peaks Seminar is Spring 2005. See application on LTC web site:http://angeles.sierr- M/E / Local Baldy Snow Practice aclub.org/ltc Registrar:Steve Botan. Come review all aspects of snow climbing including rope travel,use of the ice October 2 / Sat LTC, WTC axe,and snow anchors. For anyone wishing to practice their skills or brush up on new techniques,especially for aspiring M & E leader candidates. Restricted O / Mt Lowe (5603’) Beginning Navigation Clinic to SC mbrs with prior experience with the ice axe. Lack of snow may cancel. 5 mi 500’ Spend the day one-on-one with an instructor learning/practicing Send SC#, climbing resume and email address, H&W phones to Ldr: Nile map and compass. Beginners to rusty old-timers welcome. Not a checkoff. Sorenson co-ldrs: Doug Mantle & Tom McDonnell Many expert leaders will attend;many I-rated leaders started here in the past. Send sase early, $25 deposit (Sierra Club—refunded at trailhead), H&W November 7 / Sun WTC phones to Diane Dunbar.Co-Ldr:Richard Boardman. I / Malibu Creek State Park October 16 / Sat LTC Hike and navigate 5 mi, 300' gain. Use it or Lose it! Spend most of day with Navigation Instructors sharpening your skills with map & compass. Not a Leadership Training Seminar checkoff. Send e-mail (or SASE) for required info & materials to Ldr: Marc Become a qualified Sierra Club leader! TBD location.See application on LTC web “Roadkill”Hertz.Assts:tba. site:http://angeles.sierraclub.org/ltc Deadline for application submittal is two weeks prior to seminar date.Registrar:Steve Botan. February 12 / Sat LTC, Sierra Peaks, Desert Peaks October 24 / Sun LTC, WTC M/E / Local Baldy Snow Practice Come review all aspects of snow climbing including rope travel,use of the ice I/M / Indian Cove Navigation axe,and snow anchors. For anyone wishing to practice their skills or brush up Navigation Noodles to satisfy Basic (I/M) level navigation requirements. on new techniques,especially for aspiring M & E leader candidates. Restricted Practice or checkout.To receive homework assignment,send navigation expe- to SC mbrs with prior experience with the ice axe. Lack of snow may cancel. rience/training,sase to Ldr:Harry Freimanis.Asst:Bob Bradshaw. Send SC#, climbing resume and email address, H&W phones to Ldr: Nile October 29-31 / Fri-Sun LTC, Harwood, WTC Sorenson co-ldrs: Tina Bowman & Tom Bowman C / Wilderness First Aid Course April 16-17 / Sat-Sun LTC, WTC Runs from 8 am Fri to 5:30 pm Sun. Includes lodging and meals. CPR within I / Indian Cove Navigation previous 2 years required.Satisfies LTC WFA requirement for I,M,and E ratings. Navigation Noodles to satisfy Basic (I/M) level navigation requirements.Sat for $165 with SC#/$175 non-member (full refund through) For application, send practice, skills refresh, altimeter, campfire. Sun for checkout.To receive home- email/sase to Ldr:Steve Schuster. work assignment, send navigation experience/training, any WTC, rideshare November 12-14 / Fri-Sun LTC/WTC info,H&W phones,sase to Ldr:Harry Freimanis.Asst:Bob Bradshaw. E/M / Indian Cove Rock Workshop/Checkoff This intermediate and advanced workshop is based on the rock requirements

Page 4 www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc The Gnarly Stuff Technically Challenging Trips – not suited for WTC students Strong WTC students with prior mountaineering experience may qualify.

October 1-4 / Fri-Mon Sierra Peaks, Ski Mountaineers October 9-10 / Sat-Sun WTC M / North Guard (13,327'), Francis Farquhar (12,893') M / New York Mtn (7532’), Clark Mtn (7907’) Enjoy High Sierra in the Fall.Fri backpack (6 mi, 5500' up) to Sphinx Lakes for Two desert peaks in the East Mojave area. Restricted to Sierra Club members base camp. Climb Sat and Sun, N. Guard (8 mi rt, 4000’), Farquhar (4mi rt, with class 3 rock experience only. Sat climb New York Mtn 4 mi rt,2000’gain, 2000’).Mon pack out.Send sase/email (preferred) to leader with class 3 expe- class 3 crack near summit. Drive to base of Clark Mtn. Happy hour and camp- rience,conditioning to Ldr:Jim Crouch.Asst:Reiner Stenzel. fire. Sun climb Clark Mtn 2 mi rt, 1900’gain, steep class 3. Applicants submit SC#, climbing resume, email/sase, H&W phones, rideshare info to Ldr: Brad Hinkle. Asst:Patty Rambert. Outings Leader Directory Please see the Outings Leader/Staff Directory on page 5 of the WTC Newsletter print version for SASE and contact information

Awoke to this on Lamarck Col.Water had pooled in a bowl carved into the top of a large boulder.As the water nearest the center surface began to freeze overnight, stored heat kept the water from from freezing near the rock surface until after the center had froze.Outward and downward expansion from the freezing forced the water from the bottom upward through a newly created,weakest-point crack in the center,the water freezing as it emerged,and rising as more water followed.You can follow the growth of the crack by following the width of the ice sculpture from the top to its bottom.It reached about 5 inches in height. An hour later this was all gone.

WTC Newsletter / Fall 2004 Page 5 TRIP REPORTS Edie Jaranillo writes: Despite the discomfort of altitude and mosquitoes I had a great time backpacking in the And the Ultra-Cool Cow says: Southern Sierras for the first time. A bit of advice for people that are very sensitive to altitude sickness,acclimate by trying to sleep at the trail head,hydrate the night before and eat a high carbohydrate diet to have enough "oomph" to push you through the hur- dles of a heavy pack and altitude. I came up with a friend that same morning.We back- packed in and climbed the peak. Knowing that in the past I have gotten sick at 10,000+ level I should have gone up that Friday night and acclimated. Coming from 2000+ level to 10,000+ within a few hours was just too much for my system to handle. I forced myself to climb Muah Mountain and starting "puking" 400 feet from reaching the sum- mit that I had to consent to be left behind to prevent the worse scenario of deterioration MUAH!Muah Mountain and Trail Peak of AMS. After 3 more episodes of "puking",hydration was key for the evening agenda. SPS/WTC, June 5-6, 2004 Downing 3-5 liters of filtered water had its downfall of keeping one up,your tent part- Patty Rambert (Leader) writes: ner and nearby neighbors of hearing the "zip, zip" every _ hour. Thank God for the almost full moon and starlit skies I didn’t need to have my head light to find my private An excited group of ten people gathered on Saturday,June 5 at 10:30 a.m.at Horseshoe BR. My apologies to the people I have inconvenienced. As a reminder for me,a lighter Meadow, up the hill from Lone Pine.The trip destination had been changed due to a pack,good sleep,acclimation,hydration and Diamox should be a good formula to test change in leadership.Patty Rambert one of the original leaders was able to lure George for future high elevation backpack trips.Overall it was a great experience trip. We had Wysup into the Sierras with promises of beautiful temperatures,scenery and a fun group good leaders,good company,good weather and a great time. I’ll climb it again. of people.So George came up with a plan to do Muah Mountain and Trail Peak as a two day backpack with peak climb,thereby qualifying for a WTC Experience trip.So we are all set,we notify the participants and everyone is a GO! The ten participants were Patty Rambert,George Wysup,Brett Mizelle, On Muah Mountain – Jim, Gary, Lisa, Patty, Jenny, Brett Jennie Thomas, Lisa Buckley, Edith Jaranilla, Doug DeYoung, Jim Freckelton,Wayne Vollaire, and Gary Bowen. I had a great time, a few bugs but enjoyed the Horseshoe Meadow area,hiking part of the PCT, doing an SPS Peak (Muah Mountain), doing an unlisted peak (Trail Peak) and meeting potential new SPSers.I thought it would be fun to hear about others experience on the trip,so we are going to pass the trip report around. George Wysup (Co-leader) writes: Patty asked me,rather at the last minute (she must have been desper- ate), to assist on a WTC/SPS outing whose leader was forced to drop out.I noted that the trip was M-rated (due to class 3 on Crag Peak) and that it would be quite warm on the weekend.I am only I-rated,so we would have to stop well short of Crag's actual summit.Patty and I hate doing that! As I felt a bit tired at that time I came up with an alternative that should not extract too great a toll on our bodies,and would be high up enough for reasonable temperatures.Patty went for it. I really enjoyed helping to lead this trek,despite a few mosquitoes at our camp above Diaz Meadow.And,as a retired old dude,it was great to be with some fine young folks for a change.Patty and I hope that many of these folks will strive to become M or E rated leaders some day. Wayne Vollaire – WTC Orange County,Group 2 writes: Jennie Thomas,WTC Orange County,Group 1 writes: I was happy to have the trip plans change as needed to allow the WTC experience trip to continue.I was pleasantly surprised by the picturesque open meadows and running This was a great first experience trip after finishing WTC. The trip was filled with people streams at the 10,000' elevation of Horseshoe Meadow.As we hiked both on trail and who had just completed WTC and who were on their first or second experience trip. cross-country,the conversations within our group provided additional enjoyment to the Muah Mountain is a great destination for people like myself looking to get started trip. Special mention has to be made about George frequently calling the 2-minute climbing in the Sierras. Our leaders, Patty Rambert and George Wysup made a last warning of the need to be ready to move on.Warnings of being in an active bear envi- minute trip destination change,but we were undaunted and ready to get out into the ronment never produced any visible activity or unwelcome need to share our food.Muah Sierra for the weekend. A late start on Saturday morning left us plenty of time to hike Mountain and Trail Peak were pleasant hikes that required a moderate effort that paid in,set up camp,climb Muah Mountain,and then return to camp for a nice happy hour off in spectacular views.Trail Peak provided a 360-degree view with a nearly full view of (around 6:30 pm). There were patches of snow on Muah Mountain providing a nice Owens Lake bed off to the east,Mt.Langley to the north,Olancha Peak to the south,and source of cool water on the way.Saturday morning,we set out at 8:00 am after a short inviting meadows as far as the eye could see.Even though Trail Peak is not on any list,it walk to pump water out of a nearby stream.We took the PCT to the base of Trail Peak will be on my personal list as a "do again" peak and will be on my recommended list. and completed the climb to the summit in about an hour.We were out to the cars in the Patty and George, you did a terrific job at making last minute alternate plans for our early afternoon, which left us time for Pizza in Lone Pine before returning to Orange weekend outing.Thank you. County.Overall,great trip with great people!

Page 6 www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc Doug Deyoung writes: Lisa Buckley,WTC Orange County,Group 2 writes: Having attended many club trips in the past,this trip followed many of the trends I have Thanks Patty and George for going on with the show and not canceling the trip.I'm glad noticed. First, the leaders were quite enthusiastic and helpful throughout the journey. I went up the night before,the campsite at the trailhead was perfect.We had a nice din- They were conscious of the group’s needs and gave us freedom when we needed it yet ner and then a leisurely breakfast before the hiking began.The views from the peaks held us together in others.When one of the group fell ill to apparent altitude sickness, were beautiful.I'm still not sure why Wayne carried a bucket of snow to the top of Muah. they were reassuring and patient with the victim and tried to help her achieve the goal Ron was shocked and disappointed to learn that I brought beer nuts to the potluck. of climbing Muah Mountain.All this with a trip that was literally rebuilt from the ground Unfortunately,the mosquitoes enjoyed me a little more than I enjoyed them.I thought up when the original trip leader had to cancel.Thanks to Patty for burning the midnight at first that it was because I am so sweet.I have since read that mosquitoes are attract- oil and keeping the outing a go. ed to carbon dioxide,lactic acid and especially sweat.So,it was my sweatiness and not my sweetness that drew them to me.Now I can't even be flattered by all the mosquito Another tradition,which went over well,as usual,was the "potluck".We feasted on fresh bites I received.All in all though,it was a wonderful experience for my first SPS peak and strawberries,fine chocolates,nuts,imported salami,and many other delights that would my first backpacking trip.Thanks everyone! normally not be found in that neck of the woods.Thanks to all for the treats. All’s Well That Ends Well Mt. Silliman WTC, September 10-12, 2004 By Jane Simpson and Janet Yee When you think of 11,188 foot Mt. Silliman in Sequoia NP,you think slabs. This is a slabilicious climb.Some people do it in a day.We were doing it in three. We like to take lots of pictures,enjoy the scenery,and involve participants in route finding. And, face it,we’re not tigers.Or could it be the lure of those hot showers at the Visitor’s Center before 5 pm? Not to mention arriving home in time for dinner! By Labor Day 2004,13 eager participants were packing their gear,blissfully unaware of the frenzy unleashed when the unexpected happened. Leader One, Janet Yee, had a death in her family. Just 4 days before departure,Leader Two,Cheryl Gill,developed strep throat. That left Leader Three,Jane Simpson,without a co-leader. Burning up the inter- Silliman peak party. net produced zero results. Faced with the prospect of canceling the trip, Janet finally agreed to come along so that we could get all the WTC students to graduate. Saturday 9/11 is slab day.This is that “trust your boots” moment we all emphasize so FADE IN: Friday 9/10 late morning finds a sweaty group trudging up the trail from much in WTC. After a few faltering steps for some,everyone soon crawls upwards nice- Lodgepole, turning up the use trail towards Silliman Lake. Jane leading out and Janet ly,following a buddy-system with stronger scramblers helping others. LBSB staffer Jean sweeping up. Breezes cooling the air as altitude is gained.Vibrant red-orange-yellow- Konnoff is a great help in assisting the leaders. On the way to the summit, the route golden fall colors above 8,000’. Setting up camp below the slabs,the first task is to find touches on two lakes, Silliman and the glorious no-namer above.After puffing up the water in the creek. Late in the season,water can be iffy,but after a bushwhacking expe- final steep gully and hitting the scree,the first sight of the Kings-Kaweah and the Great dition,pools are found with enough water to fill bottles and buckets.Garbage Bag salad Western Divide from the summit ridge are breathtaking. preparation goes according to Cheryl Gill’s strict plan. Everyone had cut their fresh veg- Everyone summits and signs the Silliman register,one of two SPS peaks in Sequoia NP. gies and bagged them appropriately.Perhaps next year,no asparagus. After a minute of silence honoring the 9/11/01 victims,we linger over lunch and snap pix,before the wind kicks up and we head down for a rewarding swim (some of us) or hair washing (others) or water pumping duties at the no-namer lake.That night’s spe- cial event is a group Happy Hour with lots of cheese (8 kinds) and crackers. But no brownies!? Cheryl’s strict plan was in play again. Prize winner Sharon Moore demo’d fresh-made bruschetta. Sunday 9/12 we pack up camp early.Hot showers, exploring the giant Sequoia grove, and pizza await us! Practicing Leave No Trace principles,we make sure no men’s under- wear briefs are left behind hanging in the trees (Oops! Who forgot that?). After one last BEFORE: minute fix of a broken backpack,we were on our way. We were fortunate to see a stag WLA student Rosemary Ferrentino deer with huge antlers on our way back out through Silliman meadow. was told this unnamed lake below Everyone in the group helped out on this trip,and we had a fun mix of participants from Mt. Silliman was a hot spring. all WTC areas. From OC: Rick Deuning,Amika “rock climber girl”Hebert,Claire Hingeveld, Peggy Thrond. From LBSB:staffer Jean Konnoff,Jessie Enriquez,Joe Kreneks and son Joe, Jr. (alias “GQ Joe” on our trip!), Sharon “bruschetta” Moore, Yvette “coffee, please” AFTER: Moseman. From WLA: Rosemary “triathlete and marathon girl” Ferrentino, and 2003 You don’t wanna know. graduate Marti Smith. Our one non-WTC participant, Gary Hartung had a chance to learn all about WTC. — photos by Janet Yee WTC Newsletter / Fall 2004 Page 7 TRIP REPORT Hikin’Haute Cuisine Mt. Agassiz Gourmet Backpack All this was accompanied by three types of WTC, September 18-19, 2004 and Australian wines responsibly re-bottled in Platypi, along with an amus- By Edd Ruskowitz ing supply of Piña Coladas,just for fun.But You can take Mt.Agassiz out of the gourmet backpack,but you can’t take the gourmet the coup de grace was two glorious pints of out of Ron Campbell and Georgette Rieck.two leaders determined to bathe in the back- ultra premium,frozen heaven – Godiva ice country decadence of culinary excess. cream and vanilla bean gelato, lovingly Fearing a threatening weather front,the group of nine set up camp at Long Lake, well packed into camp with dry ice by short of Bishop Lake – our original destination – to allow for a faster getaway just in Georgette.It went well with the homemade case (the leaders’ excessively large loads may have played a part in the decision). oatmeal raisin cookies.All this would have Originally a group of ten,we found out later our AWOL participant had rolled her SUV meant nothing, of course, if not presented into a ditch at 3 a.m.on the way to Bishop for the trip.Though she thankfully was unin- on the festive, autumn-themed tablecloth, jured,except for,“bumps on my head,aches in my neck,bruises all over my body,lock jaw also packed in by Georgette, its colors and I bit my lip,”the same can’t be said for the shrimp and quinoa riding along with her bringing out the deep browns and greens (this is a sobering reminder that the most dangerous part of the trip can be the drive). in the surrounding rock. We may have missed out on Mt.Agassiz due to unexpected snow,but no one minded As feared,we awoke Sunday to a breakfast when it came to scarfing down… uh,I mean,placating the palate with un-hikelike del- menu of snow cones, effectively bagging icacies such as carrot and coriander soup with freshly chopped cilantro,endive with egg- the bagging of Agassiz and triggering a plant punjabi, shrimp and mandarine orange salad with sesame sauce, cous cous and Trish’s chicken sausage, onions, rapid striking of camp.Only two and a-half cajun andouille sausage with pesto and sun dried tomatoes,smoked gouda and more sun dried tomatoes and rice – miles back to the cars,then down to Bishop sun dried tomatoes,chicken sausage in rice and even more sun dried tomatoes. hey bears, come ‘n get it! for a gourmet breakfast at Jack’s.

Now here’s something that would’ve fit right in on Ron and Georgette’s Gourmet Backpack.In an over-the-top show of appreciation,Orange County Group 2 students pitched in and gave each Group 2 leader a little ripstop,wine bottle backpack, complete with strap and buckle,cinch neck,hood, hiking boot name tag and shoulder straps – wearable if your name’s Barbie or Ken.Inside the backpack was a bottle of Merlot with a personalized thank-you label.All the students contributed,particularly Lisa Buckley organizing the wine and Tami Roby who designed and created the wine packs.See you at graduation!

Page 8 www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc Tell a Friend You may not know this, but most WTC students first hear about the course through a friend or relative. If you’ve enjoyed WTC, tell a friend. Or a relative, an acquaintance, business associate, your receptionist, the UPS guy (I think his name’s Brown), the annoying neighbor down the street with the yappy dog… no,wait; scratch that last one…

REGISTER ONLINE Decadent? Us? www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc or use the Application below and mail along with your course fees to: WTC Registrar, P.O. Box 2262, El Segundo, CA 90245 Ron pours Wayne some soup; (310) 967-2029 | [email protected] Bill’s not so sure… 2005 WTC COURSE APPLICATION Reserve your space — apply today! Check location preference: Long Beach-South Bay West L.A. San Gabriel Valley Orange County First Name Last Name Address City Zip Phone / Eve Phone / Day Email How did you first hear about WTC? I’m registering with a friend or group and want to be assigned to the same group as:

who is: an instructor a co-applicant. Students must be at least 14 years old. Students under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the entire course. For more information about gear and conditioning requirements, check our website or call the info line at (310) 967-2029. Patiently aged in plastic Withdrawal from course | Students withdrawing from WTC are entitled to (1) a full refund (less a $10.00 service charge) up to 10 days before Lecture One; (2) a 75% refund within 9 days of Lecture One; (3) and a 50% refund after Lecture One through Lecture Four. No refunds made after Lecture Four. Refunds for the required text The morning after: penance for gluttony made only if you’ve not received the book. Course Fees Sierra Club member $210 before 12/15/04: $195 Sierra Club membership no. or membership application date

Non-member $225 before 12/15/04: $210 Required text “Freedom of the Hills” 7th edition $20

Make registration checks Total $ payable to WTC

WTC Newsletter / Fall 2004 Page 9 IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND

ou could always pick WTC Diego.He returned to law this year while finishing his leader Brian Reynolds out of a degree. crowd, or the background shadows At Brian’s memorial, the church was overflowing and of a photograph:he was the one with his gift for bringing different people together and mak- Ythe biggest smile,the brightest eyes,the one having the most fun.For Brian,life was a ing them smile survived him.His friends and family spoke lovingly of him.His aunt got the wonderful gift to be enjoyed, an adventure of discovery to share with friends.That is most laughs by her reference to his "S#*! - Eating grin";his former babysitter thanked his what Brian was doing the weekend of August 22,when he fell and died while climbing family for the privilege – and the challenge – of knowing and caring for Brian and his the steeply exposed Northeast Face of on a mountaineering trip spon- brother Dave.His friends at his law firm recalled their amazement on a backpacking trip he sored by WTC and the . organized and the Frisbee golf game he put together at an out of town wedding.A friend Brian fell unexpectedly from a ledge during a rest stop as the climbing party approached recalled his thoughtfulness after she lamented her loss of the ocean after a move to the the summit ridge.He had been climbing strongly,and those standing near him said he Midwest.He sent her a wordless message with photos of the sea. released the rock and fell back as they waited for a guided group with climbers on a Brian is survived by his mother,Jean,his father,Russ,his brother,Dave,his stepmother,Dee, short rope to descend past them.One of the leaders of Brian’s party, Patrick McKusky, his stepbrother and stepsister,Trevor and Hallie,and many others who adored him. wrote: A music scholarship fund in his name has been established. Donations can be sent to “We were about half way up the 3rd Class Arrow Bear Music Associates, c/o Brian Reynolds Music Scholarship Fund, P.O.Box 1294, section of the climb when we halted to let Lakewood,CA 90714. another group descend around us. Brian was standing on a ledge,about eight feet — Beth Epstein to my right.As the other group was mov- ing past us, Brian fell backwards. He uttered no sound and he made no move- ment.He passed away instantly and he did not suffer.None of us know how or why he fell.Less than an hour earlier,I asked Brian how he was doing.He looked at me with his beautiful smile and said,‘Everything is perfectly fine.’” The leaders descended to him and finding his body lifeless, called the Inyo County Sheriff.The Inyo Search and Rescue Team flew in on a Forest Service helicopter and remained with his body overnight until it could be evacuated the next day. Brian was born August 7.1973 in Anaheim and grew up in Long Beach.He was 31.He was raised camping and hiking in the eastern Sierra,and excelled in challenging outdoor sports from surfing to skateboarding.He was a brilliant student and a lover of music who played string bass in the orchestra and spent many summers as a student and counselor at Arrowbear Music Camp.He graduated from Stanford and Columbia Law School and passed the bar in 1998. Brian sought to deepen his experience in the outdoors by taking the Wilderness Travel Course in the San Gabriel Valley in 2000, and he graduated and became an assistant leader.His love of climbing and his skill as a climber grew and led to frequent trips to Joshua Tree and ascents of increasing difficulty in the Sierra,including a recent climb of Cathedral Peak’s Southeast Buttress.He was a gifted teacher,beloved by students for his dedication and generosity and his ability to clarify any difficult subject and make any- thing fun.He made scary moments on the rocks seem easy,and when the gear flew out of the car on the highway Brian’s cool and poise would save the day.He applied his gifts and his love of excellence to the big and small – from campfire songs and deep-fried twinkies at happy hour to encouraging the struggling student. Brian’s passion for teaching,sharing and seeking and his courage to change led him in 2003 to surrender a lucrative law career and pursue his master’s in history at UC San

Page 10 www.angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc “To explore, enjoy,

and protect the wild MEMBERSHIP places of the earth; Name Address to practice and City & State Zip Phone (optional)

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Membership Categories Individual Joint responsible use of Introductory $25 Regular $39 $47 Supporting $75 $100 Contributing $150 $175 the earth’s ecosystem Life $1,000 $1,250 Senior $24 $32 Student $24 $32 and resources; Limited Income $24 $32 Check enclosed,made payable to Sierra Club to educate and Please charge my MasterCard Visa Cardholder name

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Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, environment…” Wilderness Training Committee FRIP # F94Q [N0469] - 1

WTC Newsletter / Fall 2004 Page 11 PRESORTED FIRST CLASS U.S.POSTAGE Susan Richmond, WTC Registrar PAID ANAHEIM,CA P.O. Box 2262, El Segundo, CA 90245 PERMIT NO.514

I don’t know her… I,uh,came up with another group – yeah,that’s it…. Of all the Experience Trips I could’ve picked… If I don’t turn around,no one will recognize me.

“That marmot was “Ta-da!” this… no wait, it was “Rats, I told ’em, THIS BIG!” “We are the ‘starch only in world, we are the the collar!’ ” “It’s fun to stay children…” at the Y…” Another perfect dismount!

“The kick is up – “I give up.” (Mime in a box.) IT’S GOOD!”

“Pick me up please.” “Hang on, let me toss “Don’t shoot!” “One more “Raise your hands, this boulder out of the pirouette, then into a raise you hands, way… there!” grand jeté…” if you’re Sure.”

Melissa Kane at the apex of her provisional lead to Mt. Silliman. Since email your guesses to [email protected]. By the way, those unsuccess- there’s no sound, we can only guess as to what she’s saying. O.K., some of fully pursuing anonymity are Lisa Buckley, Trish Magdaleno and Wayne the guesses may be a bit outside,but if you think you know better you can Volaire.Sorry.